Since I'm always in need of advice when it comes to my training, I thought I'd seek the advice of a professional--a professional triathlete, that is! Bec Wassner is currently living out her dream job while training in Noosa, Australia for the upcoming 2007 season (she's gunning to earn a spot in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China!) I was able to catch up with her after a five-hour bike ride through the hills of Australia's coast (there's no doubt it takes total dedication--and a lot of hard work!--to get to her level!).

Sarah: So, exactly what does it mean to be a professional triathlete?

Bec: Being a triathlete is my job. I spend my days swimming, cycling and running. Each season I'll compete in about 15 races all over the world, and I have sponsors like Lipton Tea who help pay the travel expenses and I make money if I do well in the races.

B: A teammate on my college running team introduced me to the sport. He is from Australia and competed as a triathlete for a few years. From that point on, I was intrigued, but didn't get a chance to actually participate in the sport until I moved to New York after college and met some friends at my gym, Chelsea Piers, who were training for triathlons. They helped me get going.

S: What are your most and least favorite things about your sport?

B: I love my job and not having to sit in an office all day, I love meeting new people and seeing new places that I otherwise would never get to experience. On the downside, it's hard spending long chunks of time away from my family while I'm attending training camps and competing. It is difficult, but the hard training pays off and makes it worth it!

S: How do you motivate yourself to train hard every day?

B: I stay motivated by setting goals and always trying to challenge myself. I know how lucky I am to be doing what I'm doing, so I always try to make the most of it.

S: Who or what inspires you?

B: I am inspired by people who set their mind to something (like doing a triathlon) and are dedicated, even if it means making sacrifices. I am also inspired by other athletes. My favorites are Tiger Woods and Cal Ripken Jr.!

S: What's the coolest thing that's happened to you either in a race or during training?

B: Definitely swimming (and playing) with dolphins in Kona, Hawaii, while swimming on the Ironman Hawaii swim course last year.

S: As a professional athlete, do you follow a special diet?

B: What may come as a surprise to some people is how much I eat, rather than how little. I never miss a meal and don't go for more than a few hours without eating. I try to eat lots of fruits, vegetables, protein and, of course, carbs. I make most of what I eat from scratch, including lots of baked goods!

Have a question for Bec about training, nutrition, or just meeting your goals? e-mail me at sflynn@hearst.com or post a comment here, and I'll be sure to post her answers asap!

And continued good luck to all of you out there going after your goals. I'll be back next week with more inspiration and updates about my training!